Ear Piercing FAQs

Can I get my cartilage pierced with the Safe Ear Piercing System?

Yes you sure can. We use the cartridge to pierce anywhere along the rim of the ear.  It is not suitable to be used for inner ear piercings such as the tragus.  We have a stud especially designed to be used in the Helix as it has a longer post to allow for swelling.  Once the piercing has healed come in and see us and we can fit new jewellery, including rings.

How old do I have to be to get an ear piercing?
We pierce children over the age of four and only if they are consenting to the piercing and are with their parent or legal guardian.  Anyone under the age of 16 must have parental or legal guardian consent

When children are over the age of five they have an understanding of the procedure, the pain factor and the aftercare involved in caring for their piercing.  It is also a special experience for a child to have their ears pierced.  At Trendez we recognise this and take the time to make each child’s experience a good one.

Do you pierce infants?
No.  At Trendez we believe the client must be a willing participant and be able to give consent as piercing is a body modification.  We understand that in some cultures piercing ears and noses is common

Will my piercing swell?
You might notice slight swelling during the first 48 hours but the studs are long enough to allow for this.  If you experience excessive swelling we strongly urge you to come in-store and have a piercer check it out for you and change the jewellery if necessary.

What are the chances I will get an infection?
All our piercings are performed under strict sterile conditions, using single-use and sterile cartridges.  Once you leave the piercing room it is your responsibility to take care of your piercing for it to heal properly.  You will be given both verbal and written aftercare information.  As well as cleaning it twice a day we also urge you not to touch it with unwashed hands and to keep your hair clean and tied back away from the piercing.  Change your pillowcase regularly and take care not to knock the piercing.

Is everyone’s ear suitable for piercing?
No.  Our piercers will assess whether your ear can be pierced with a cartridge.  If the lobe or cartilage is too thick then we would pierce it with a needle and insert longer jewellery.  Every ear is a different shape and we will ensure your piercing is appropriate.

What can I use to clean my piercing?
We recommend using a natural anti-septic such as Tea Tree Oil, which is available in-store in an easy to use spray bottle.  Alternatively you can use a saltwater solution.  Do not use anything with an alcohol base or Dettol as this is too harsh and could cause cell damage.  It will dry the piercing out on the outside surface, whereas a natural anti-septic will heal the piercing slowly from the inside out.  Ointments are best avoided as they restrict air-flow to the area.

Can I swim with a new piercing?
It is not a good idea to swim in commercial pools, dirty rivers or the ocean, however if you must do so then cover the piercing with a water-proof, wound sealant bandage and clean the piercing afterwards.

How often should I clean my piercing?
Twice a day in the morning and night unless you go swimming or your piercing comes into contact with others bodily fluid or possible bacteria contaminates.  Over-cleaning the piercing will only cause irritation and break the new forming skin cells. Keep this routine up for the initial healing period which is usually four to six weeks and longer if needed.

How long will my piercing take to heal?
The initial healing phase is approximately six weeks.  During this time you may experience slight redness and swelling.  The area will be tender and should be treated like an open wound.  The secondary healing phase usually takes about six months (and longer for a cartilage piercing) for new skin cells to form around the piercing.  This will be evident as the skin will turn inwards like a donut.

What if I have sensitive ears?
Our jewellery is hypoallergenic.  It contains a very low amount of nickel which is used as a compound metal and cannot be released into the body.  However for those who have very sensitive skin or a metal allergy we have a range of Surgical Grade Titanium jewellery available.  Titanium contains no nickel and is the best option for children and anyone who has trouble with healing.

I have a bump on my cartilage piercing, what is it?
It may be an overgrowth of scar tissue that is the result of an infection.  Treating the underlying infection will prevent the bump from growing further.  Try Crystaderm or Betadine (both available from the pharmacy) for 21 days.  After that, if necessary, consult a doctor for further treatment.

Can you pierce my child’s ears at the same time?
Yes we can.